Tell us a little bit about yourself, how’d you end up in the wild world of advertising and marketing?

As a student, I planned to pursue degrees in English literature and journalism, assuming I would make a writing career pan out one way or another. After stumbling into a few entry-level ad classes, I swapped journalism for advertising with the rationale that if I didn’t “make it” as a writer, I could “fall back” on marketing. What I didn’t realize at the time was advertising was at the intersection of many of my interests (writing, creative problem solving, collaborating with others). I’ve been working in the industry ever since!

What do you love most about this industry?

The most rewarding part of being in this industry is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with imaginative thinkers. Additionally, I love that my role is constantly evolving, because what it means to work in advertising continues to transform. It’s exciting to think that the role I’ll fill in 10 years might not even exist yet.

How do you maintain passion and enthusiasm for the work you do throughout the different phases of your life?

Admittedly, I still feel like I’m figuring this out. So far I can say, I’ve found certain aspects of roles fulfilling at different points in my journey. I imagine this will continue as my career evolves.

What about the MPLS MadWomen mission resonates with you?

Over the past few years, MPLS MadWomen has given me the space and support system to have hard, honest conversations about my career and the state of our industry. I am so excited to continue this work and ensure we’re able to provide this network to as many people as possible.

What is one thing you would change about the current state of our industry? And how do you think your work with MPLS MadWomen can help create this change?

As we all are well aware, there are so many things that need to change, not only within our industry but within American culture. Establishing true gender equality in leadership roles is something I’m particularly passionate about. Representation matters and the more different types of female and non-binary leaders we see running our agencies, the more that will follow. I believe our ongoing MadWomen work contributes to lifting up diverse leadership and hopefully empowers them to continue fighting for those well-deserved positions.

What is one thing you think women in the industry can do to support each other on a daily basis?

Celebrate one another’s success, however small.

If you could give your recent college-grad self just one piece of advice what would it be?

Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s just as important to acknowledge the good in where you are as it is to constantly look for the next thing.

If you had to choose any career path besides your current one, what would you want to be when you grow up?

When I was a college student, I told myself that I would write the next great American novel. Maybe I still will!